When and where is it acceptable to vape? My boyfriend, a former Marlboro man, seems to think he can vape anywhere. As a non-vapor myself, this has become a source of discontent and argument.

–Madelyn, Cleveland, Ohio

The etiquette for vaping is similar to that of smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe tobacco, and marijuana, which in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California, Massachusetts, Alaska, Nevada, Maine, and Washington, D.C. may be legal to do in private, but may well be illegal when consumed in public space.

You’re not alone. According to a recent survey of e-cigarette users (paid for by Vype e-cigarettes in the UK), 57% of their users are as confused as you are about vaping etiquette. Eighty percent surveyed said that they tried to be courteous when around non-vapors, and actually agreed that at least a third of fellow users were inconsiderate of those around them while vaping.

As vaping becomes more mainstream, the smog may be lifting on the rules for vaping. Even though there is no official etiquette for vaping, that doesn’t mean that vaping is globally acceptable. It is not.

The hard and fast don’ts of where and when to vape:

Never ever in bed.

Nor in a ticket line.

Not during a job interview.

Not in the presence of children.

Always honor ‘no smoking’ signs in restaurants and public transportation.

The worst never, is never in an elevator, car or other confined space.

Don’t when you see a no smoking sign such as those outside a hospital, theatre, shopping mall, airport terminal or office building.

It goes without saying that he wouldn’t vape in someone else’s home without consent. Or at a party — unless the host was vaping.

As far as smoking in your home, do what other couples do when one on them smokes a cigar or pipe, have a designated time or place when and where he can smoke. Perhaps, after he’s helped you with the dinner dishes, but only when he’s opened the window. But certainly, not while you’re both cooking.

Vaping is a courtesy on both sides

As your boyfriend is a former tobacco smoker, cut him a bit of slack. It’s a social minefield, and you both have my sympathy.

If you want to work it out, you will. After all, in romance, vaping is a matter of consideration on both sides.

We all have our bad habits. You either put up with his habit or move on.

Acceptable Dos:

Always ask first. Most public spaces make their policy known.

That said, do find out about a hotel’s policy before booking, because you can be fined if the smell of smoke is detected in your room — no matter how sweet it is.

Do consider that if your boyfriend is an ex-tobacco smoker, vaping has far less toxicity.

~Didi

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